Sports
Wildcat Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Woodrow Wilson High School
From local fields to national fame, these stars got their start in Dallas.
Sports run deep in Dallas, and Woodrow Wilson High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Wildcat uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Woodrow Wilson High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.
1. Tim Brown – NFL Wide Receiver (Los Angeles / Oakland Raiders)
A Woodrow Wilson High School alum, Tim Brown finished his legendary NFL career as one of the most prolific receivers in league history. Upon retiring in 2004, he ranked third all-time in receptions, yards and touchdowns, and later earned induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (Sources: ProFootballHallofFame, LasVegasRaiders)
2. Alton Lister – NBA Center
Woodrow Wilson graduate Alton Lister went on to star at Arizona State University before being selected in the first round of the 1981 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He enjoyed a long professional career and was inducted into the Arizona State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. (Sources: WoodrowWildcats, LegendsofBasketball, ArizonaStateAthletics)
Find out what's happening in Dallasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
3. Ixsamar Gonzalez – College Basketball (Florida Memorial University)
A standout for Woodrow Wilson High School, Ixsamar Gonzalez helped lead the Wildcats’ girls basketball team to a district championship in 2018. She continued her playing career at Florida Memorial University, competing at the collegiate level. (Sources: FloridaMemorialAthletics, AdvocateMagazine)
4. Curley Johnson – Professional Football (AFL & NFL)
Dallas native and Woodrow Wilson graduate Curley Johnson played collegiately at the University of Houston before beginning his pro career in the AFL and NFL. Known for his versatility, he became a fixture with the New York Jets, where he wore his iconic No. 33 and contributed during the franchise’s early years. (Sources: WoodrowWildcats, NewYorkJets)
Find out what's happening in Dallasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
5. Rowland “Flip” Wolfe – Olympic Gold Medalist (Gymnastics)
A Woodrow Wilson alumnus, Rowland “Flip” Wolfe made history by winning Olympic gold in tumbling at the 1932 Los Angeles Games at just 17 years old. After graduating in 1934, Wolfe later served during World War II on the Manhattan Project, contributing to one of the most significant scientific efforts in history. (Sources: USAGymnastics, WoodrowWildcats)
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
